Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Waukee, IA: $64,288 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Waukee, IA earns a median $64,288/year (≈ $30.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Waukee's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $71,115 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Waukee, Iowa, can expect a median annual salary of $64,288, which reflects about 13.51% lower than the national median of $74,332. The projected salary range spans from $47,888 at the 10th percentile to $72,764 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 while considering regional cost adjustments. Given the expectations for productivity often defined by visit quotas, the compensation for occupational therapy assistants in this area can significantly vary based on work settings and the nature of client engagement. Waukee's market for these positions indicates a modest but existing demand for skilled professionals.
About the Waukee Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,888 | $23.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,708 | $26.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,288 | $30.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,109 | $32.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,764 | $34.99 |
Median Salary Position
13.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukee
In Waukee, IA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,876 (2026 est.). At $64,288, the local median is 13.51% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Waukee: You'd be above the median
How Waukee Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Waukee median: $64,288/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $67,177 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -13.51% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Waukee, IA earn a median of $64,288 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.51% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $67,177.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukee has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waukee, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $64,288 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,115 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,199
2025 BLS Actual
$62,531
2026 Current Est.
$64,288
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,199 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,436 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,389 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,569 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,956 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,623 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,531 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,288 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,095 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukee metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $53,199 (2019) to $62,531 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,095 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,896 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukee metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,888 – $55,708 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,708 – $64,288 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,288 – $67,109 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,109 – $72,764 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Waukee
Currently, Waukee employs four occupational therapy assistants, contributing to a competitive job market, though the cost-of-living index stands at 90.4, indicating lower living expenses which enhance purchasing power. Among local employers, those in outpatient clinics and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings typically offer the highest salaries, reflecting their acute need for specialized care. Factors such as productivity expectations and contract differences, including the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services, create a notable salary variance. To maximize pay, aspiring professionals should consider diversifying their experiences—pursuing contracts in various settings and exploring the transition from COTA to MOT roles. This strategy can not only increase earning potential but also broaden career opportunities within the health care landscape in Waukee, IA.
More salary data for Waukee, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Waukee?
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Career Resources
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,531 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Waukee metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukee is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov